^Yeah the only bummer about the shark swim is that it is quite chilly water. I've only done it once, went for another visit a few years back, dipped my toe in and decided I'd just look at the aquarium!

Blizzard Beach OWNS Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon has the better wave pool and water coaster, that's it. Plus the Shark Reef is cool, but whatever. I still can't believe you went there instead of BB, you're so LAME!!!

Typhoon's family raft ride is terrible (I mean really, Blizzard's doesn't smash you into walls and it's like 5x the length of Typhoon's), their speed slides are pretty underwhelming, and their tube slides are so boring and rough!

As for the shade issue at Blizzard, the only place in the park where I think that's a problem is on Mt. Gushmore's Purple and Green slopes and in Ski Patrol. The upper beach area of Meltaway Bay has plenty of shade, the lazy river is super long with plenty of shade, and there's a ton of secluded shaded space behind Red Slope that most people never head back to. If you ever want a secluded spot in the park without paying for a Polar Patio or Premium Space, go to the back of the park past Runoff Rapids and there's a ton of space for people that rarely gets used.

haha, I'm sorry but I feel very strongly about the Typhoon vs Blizzard debate!

BeemerBoy wrote:Honestly, I'm not sure how much these cost

The cost varies depending on the time of year, but I think during the summer they're $250 a day (at least that's what I think Blizzard's "Polar Patios" run). They pretty much always sell out early in the day during peak season.

Thanks for this in-depth report! I am considering doing a full blown Disney trip next year with the water parks included but I wasn't really sure what they entailed. All I really knew was the ski theming at BB and Summit Plummet. After this report, I am definitely doing the water parks add-on. Thanks again!

Meteornotes wrote:But this is something I'd almost HAVE to do. Sharks are awesome. And should eat more people.

Yes.

Swimace wrote:Blizzard Beach OWNS Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon has the better wave pool and water coaster, that's it. Plus the Shark Reef is cool, but whatever. I still can't believe you went there instead of BB, you're so AWESOME!!!

Fixed.

Swimace wrote:haha, I'm sorry but I feel very strongly about the Typhoon vs Blizzard debate!

It's okay.....fanboy.

TheRapidsNerd wrote:Glad you all had a great time on your recent trip and hope to see you all next time you're in town.

Thanks, and definitely!

PriestofSyrinx wrote:Oh and thumbs up for the Rush reference!

Hang on, was it I who made the Rush reference? If so, it was completely unintentional, as I'm definitely not much of a fan. Heck, I know they're Canadian. That's about the extent of it. I'm really curious now.

Okie dokie. Time to head down the homestretch....

We begin with.....food!

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This was a really nice, quiet spot to sit and eat lunch.

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The salad was big enough for the two of us to share. It was, however, just another salad. The smoothie tasted great, but had way too much crushed ice. Thus, it was not very, um, "smooth."

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This bridge is not as good.

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Another random look at the lazy river doing its thing.....being lazy.

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Here's a look at one of the lazy river's entry/exit points. I believe one was named shark something or other. I failed to get a pic of it. Point deduction.

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We'll be there in about 10 pics or so. Promise.

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A look at the outer part of the wave pool area. Cool point: the surf waves are powerful enough to push you back into that wall if you're sitting there. It's actually pretty fun to sit through one once, or just watch unsuspecting people who don't realize the wave's force.

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You CANNOT walk past this and not want a funnel cake. It's physically impossible.

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Let's Go Slurpin'. Yep.

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Well, that sign says "5," so I guess it's safe to assume there's four others. I'm good like that.

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Okay, this was somewhat odd, and dare I say, a *little* bit creepy. Notice the gentleman in the vest (or as I like to call it, "The Hot Fuzz")? Well, that's a photographer taking random photos for Disney's PhotoPass system., which you'll hear about shortly. I don't know, it works in some locations I suppose, but others.....eh, not so much.

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Coffee and cappuccino at a water park? Hey, at least you can warm up after a Shark Reef swim! ;) (By the way, that water is anywhere from 68-70 degrees)

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Another random snack stand near the front of the park.

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I actually really like that this section is sort of tucked away from the bulk of the park. All day it remained very calm, with few people. That equals awesome.

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Besides the wave pool, the highlight of the day!

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I seriously wasn't expecting *too* terribly much from these, but was very pleasantly surprised!

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It's themed to an abandoned fruit processing plant.

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There are three slides to chose from. We found the "Banana Blaster" to be our favorite, although they are all fairly similar.

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The theming here worked really well. As you can see, and was eluded to by Hilltopper on the first page, any water park visit can be a real workout. Since you have to carry your own two or three person tube up these steps, it definitely pays to visit when the crowds are light. That way, even though you're lugging the tubes up the steps, at least you only have to wait five minutes, at the most, when you reach the top.

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We loved the opening drop into each of the three slides! I'm also amazed this picture turned out as well as it did.

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I can't remember which it was (the middle, perhaps?), but one seemed a bit faster than the others. All had nice pops of air!

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I think we managed to get about 10 runs in overall, never waiting more than a few minutes at the top. You also have to relinquish your tube after each run, and wait in line to receive another before heading up. Still, we never waited more than a minute or two for that.

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Okay, here's an example where PhotoPass works really well, in my opinion. As you exit the pool, the photographer hands you one of these......

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It actually comes with a small rubber band attached to it, so you can wear it around your wrist.

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....disco! You have yourselves the opportunity to purchase a great souvenir that you didn't have to work for!

* You do have to provide your own constipated look though. I can't do everything for you * ;)

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And finally we have a brief look at the wave pool, and the huge arse waves it produces!

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Oh sure, it may not look like much here. But when you're on top of one, or the moment the first one you see starts barreling down on you, you quickly realize this ain't just another wave pool! Seriously, we had sooo much fun in here!When I win the lotto, I'm grabbing a board, and the TPR surf party is on me!

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On the way out, the cast members had a little fun with the hula hoops.

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Thanks for viewing, everyone! We're glad we could share our day at the park with ya!

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